Aoki Lee Simmons has announced that she will likely stop modeling after facing criticism over her appearance and constant comparisons to her supermodel mother, Kimora Lee Simmons.
In a recent video, the 22-year-old expressed her frustration, revealing that she is often told that she is “not pretty enough” to succeed as a model and that she is often compared to her mother.
“I think I’ll probably end up modeling soon,” Aoki shared, per TMZ on Sunday.
“I’m tired of being told over and over again, ‘No, you’re not pretty enough,'” she said. “It seems like a big comparison all the time. I understand that. My mom will always be a much better role model than I am, but sometimes it’s annoying to hear.
Aoki went on to describe the modeling world as “a tough industry.” Although she plans to “finish strong,” as her mother always advised, she is already looking beyond the runway to a career in government.
Aoki Lee Simmons has announced that she will likely step away from modeling after enduring criticism over her appearance and constant comparisons to her supermodel mother, Kimora Lee Simmons; (Aoki photo 202)
In a recent video, the 22-year-old expressed her frustration, revealing that she is often told that she is “not pretty enough” to succeed as a model and that she is often measured against her mother; (photo 2023)
‘I don’t need a coach, I’m a good role model. It’s just a tough industry,” she said. ‘I think I’ll go back to work in government, because that’s what my degree consists of.’
Aoki’s mother, Kimora, began her modeling career at age 14, quickly gaining recognition as one of the first black models to achieve significant success on the catwalk, walking for renowned designers such as Chanel and Valentino.
In 1998, she married music mogul Russell Simmons and together they welcomed their first daughter, Ming, before Kimora gave birth to her second daughter, Aoki, in 2003.
Following her divorce in 2009, Kimora transitioned into entrepreneurship, co-founding the Baby Phat brand while maintaining a close co-parenting relationship with Russell.
Aoki had already spoke exclusively with DailyMail.com about her modeling work at BCBG New York.
“My goal is to learn and grow as I navigate my own path in this business and have a lot of fun doing it,” she said at the time.
When asked how her mother inspired her, she replied, ‘Let me count the ways! Honestly, there are so many things I admire about her, but if I had to pick one, it would be her ability to be self-reliant.
“She has the confidence that even if she doesn’t know the answer to something right now, she knows how to find out. This is inspiring.
As for plans to design one day, she said, “Never say never, but maybe not yet.”
“I’m tired of being told over and over again, ‘No, you’re not pretty enough,'” shared Aoki, per TMZ on Sunday. “It seems like a big comparison all the time. I understand that. My mother will always be a much better model than me, but sometimes it’s annoying to hear that’; (photo 2023)
Aoki went on to describe the modeling world as “a tough industry.” Although she plans to “finish strong,” as her mother always advised, she is already looking beyond the runway, aiming for a career in government; (photo 2022)
Aoki’s departure from modeling comes after she split from her boyfriend, 65-year-old restaurant owner Vittorio Assaf, earlier this year.
At the time, Kimora expressed her embarrassment over Aoki’s brief romance with Vittorio, emphasizing that the relationship was not serious.
She suggested that Aoki may have been “set up” due to their significant age difference.
“She’s a young, beautiful girl and we don’t think the frogs we kiss will be transmitted,” she explained to TMZ.
‘I personally feel that she was deceived, and that is why I try [warn] my girls. There’s definitely an age dynamic there and I feel like it was set up a little bit,” she added.
Russell also weighed in, stating that he wouldn’t criticize Aoki’s decisions, while Kimora emphasized her role as a loving mother: “All I can do is offer my advice and unconditional love.”
Photos of Aoki and Serafina Restaurant Group owner Vittorio (L) packing on the PDA in the Caribbean hit the web on April 6
After the photos were released, Aoki’s father Russell (seen with Kimora, toddler Aoki and her sister Ming in 2005) spoke about the partnership to TMZ, stating, “I’m not going to kick and scream about her choices.”
He added, “I’m not going to kick and scream about her choices.”
Photos of Aoki and Vittorio surfaced online on April 6, but reports soon surfaced that the relationship had ended, with a source confirming, “It’s 100 percent done.”
Additionally, claims that Aoki was materialistic were dismissed by sources close to her, who described her as someone who doesn’t care for luxury items and characterized her as “more of a geek.”
Meanwhile, sources noted that Assaf, known for his charm, has a history of dating younger women, suggesting that his preferences have remained unchanged as he ages.
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